Published October 17, 2026
Tesla VIN Model Year: Decode the 10th Character
Find the model year of any Tesla from the 10th VIN character. Complete Tesla year-code chart, WMI prefixes, and plant codes explained.
Three parts of a Tesla VIN carry the build story: characters 1-3 (the WMI) identify the manufacturing country and division; character 10 gives the model year via a 30-year repeating code; and character 11 identifies the assembly plant. Characters 12-17 are the unique serial number. A free VIN decode translates these codes into plain English instantly.
Tesla WMI prefixes and what they mean
The World Manufacturer Identifier opens every Tesla VIN:
| WMI | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 5YJ | USA (California): Model 3, Model S, Model X, Model Y |
| 7SA | USA (Texas): Model Y |
| 7G2 | USA (Texas): Cybertruck |
The first character gives the country; the second and third identify the manufacturer and division.
The 10th character: model year
Tesla uses the standard 30-year cycle, so one letter can mean two years. Common recent codes: K = 2019, L = 2020, M = 2021, N = 2022, P = 2023, R = 2024, S = 2025, T = 2026. Letters I, O, Q, U, and Z are never used. Because of the 30-year repeat, always confirm the decade with the vehicle's actual age and styling, the decoder does this automatically.
Position 11: assembly plant
The plant code pinpoints the factory where your Tesla was built. The free decoder names the plant for you.
Positions 12-17: serial number
The last six characters are the production sequence, the vehicle's unique fingerprint within that model year and plant.
Using positions 4-8 (VDS) to verify trim and engine
The Vehicle Descriptor Section is where Tesla encodes what the vehicle actually is: model line, body style, engine, and restraint system. This is your fraud-check tool. If a seller's description doesn't match the VDS decode, the trim or engine has been misrepresented, or the VIN belongs to a different vehicle. Always compare the VDS decode against the badges, the motor under the hood, and the window sticker.
Model Year FAQ
What does the 10th character of a Tesla VIN mean?
The model year. For example, R = 2024, S = 2025, T = 2026. Codes repeat every 30 years.
Why does the same letter mean two different years?
The 30-year cycle repeats. K means both 1989 and 2019. The decoder uses the full VIN and vehicle details to resolve the correct decade.
Can the 10th character tell me the exact build date?
No, only the model year. The door-jamb label shows the manufacture month and year for a more precise build date.
Do Tesla VINs use the letters I, O, Q, U, Z, or 0 in the year position?
Never. Those characters are excluded from VINs to avoid confusion with digits.
Conclusion
The 10th VIN character is the quickest way to confirm a Tesla's model year, but always cross-check with the door-jamb build date and the vehicle's styling. When the year code, the paperwork, and the car itself all agree, you can buy with confidence.
References
- NHTSA VIN Decoder: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vin-decoder
- NHTSA vPIC: https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- NICB VINCheck: https://www.nicb.org/vincheck
- NMVTIS: https://vehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov